Nine out of 10 Victorian government primary schools are already using a new phonics program to teach reading, two years ahead of schedule.
The Victorian approach to reading includes daily systematic synthetic phonics instruction as part of reading programs.
Deputy Premier and Education Minister Ben Carroll said schools had jumped at the chance to introduce the system into schools well ahead of the 2027 deadline for implementation.
“We’re grateful to see such a promising response so early on as we make best practice common practice in every Victorian classroom,” he said.
“It’s fantastic to see 93 per cent of primary schools delivering daily phonics instructions, despite providing a two-year transition period – schools are getting on board, and we’re excited to see schools embracing change.”
A Department of Education survey found 88 percent of the sampled schools had engaged with Phonics Plus and 37 percent were using the Phonics Plus resources.
The Year 1 Phonics Check will be piloted in schools through term two this year, ahead of optional use by schools in term three, and full implementation from next year.
About 80 per cent of schools are choosing to deliver the test in term three. It takes about 10 minutes, compared to the current 40 minutes per student, saving teachers about 12 hours in assessments.
